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Over the years, WBHM's Tapestry has made possible conversations with hundreds of musicians, artists, poets, novelists, actors and more. These days we're taking advantage of the (almost unlimited) time and space here on our website to take Tapestry in new directions, and to continue our discussions with some of the most interesting people from the broad spectrum of arts and culture.

In the last decade, the members of alternative rock band Wilco have experienced the highs and lows of a performing life. And they keep coming back for more. Since 1994, the band has released 9 albums. Their latest is “The Whole Love”. Wilco brings the show to Birmingham’s Sloss Furnaces tonight. WBHM music producer Kevin Lehner caught up with Wilco front man Jeff Tweedy recently to talk about the new album and what making music means to Tweedy.

In recent years, Banditos have branded themselves as a gritty, Southern, "Don’t give me that #$%" kind of attitude band. They've just released their first full-length album, titled “The Filthy Sessions”. Just in time for their show tonight at The Bottletree Cafe, we have a sample of their new music.

One hundred years ago, a young missionary couple named Albert and Sylvia Caldwell were coming home after 3 years in Siam (now known as Thailand). The tropical climate had taken a toll on Sylvia's health, and, with their 10-month-old son, they began the long journey home traveling by ship from Southeast Asia to Naples, Italy. There they saw an ad for a new luxury liner that was about to make its maiden voyage from England to America. So they booked passage on the Titanic.

They're some of Birmingham's best acoustic musicians who's unique sound is a combination of acoustic-folk-Americana. But with
their new album Worth Fighting For, Act of Congres pretty much threw everything out the window. WBHM's Michael Krall produced this audio postcard...

Every picture tells a story or so the cliche goes. If that's true, then a photographic exhibit opening tonight at the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute offers a look into the lives of 40 families with a Birmingham connection. 40 lesbian families. "Living in Limbo: Lesbian Families in the Deep South" is the creation of award-winning photographer Carolyn Sherer, who herself has been in a committed relationship with another woman for more than 30 years. Sherer tells Greg Bass she was inspired to create the exhibit by the death of a friend and it's unpleasant aftermath.

After going through some tough times with the death of his father, Light Skits founding member Sam Goodwin needed to express himself creatively. He says the resulting album, “Nooks & Crannies," lets listeners inside his mind. With diverse song structures, complex math-pop riffs and screamo vocals, Light Skits lets you rock loud and hard.

The Blues run through the blood of Birmingham musician Sam Frazier Jr. He grew up in Edgewater, the son a coal miner who brought home stories that would eventually inspire Frazier's songwriting. His family would host local barbeques and shows at his mom’s house. Performing next to big name artists such as Howl’n Wolf and Jimmy Reed was a typical thing in Frazier's life. Frazier’s latest album is “The Long Lonesome Blues”.

The Los Angeles times called Birmingham author Gin Phillips's first book The Well and The Mine an "astonishing new novel." It's been compared to To Kill a Mockingbird and earned Phillips the Barnes and Noble Discover Award. So when Phillips started shopping her next novel, Come In and Cover Me, she admits there was a bit of pressure. Come In and Cover Me follows the story of Ren Taylor -- an archeologist who's on a mission to understand an ancient community, but ends up discovering some things about herself.

Birmingham--Gospel music has long been a fixture in African American churches around Birmingham. A new documentary film looks at the revolution of a style of gospel music called the Jefferson County Sound. Greg Bass takes a closer look for WBHM’s Tapestry.

Over his 50+ year career, singer/songwriter Gordon Lightfoot has produced a string of hits. His songs have been recorded by Peter, Paul and Mary, Bob Dylan, even Elvis. He's mostly remembered in this country for his hits from the 1970s and the occasional public TV fundraiser. But Gordon Lightfoot is nothing short of a national treasure in his native Canada. At the tender age of 73 he still spends a lot of time on the road and this Sunday evening his tour bus stops at the Alabama Theatre. Greg Bass talked to Gordon Lightfoot.

Georgia native Wilder Adkins (goes by “Wilder”) is a lo-fi folk music artist making his way in the Birmingham music scene. Wilder’s influences range from Richard Thompson to Bruce Cockburn to Raffi. HIs guitar playing has a dark undertone which allows the songs to bring out eerie yet beautiful melodies. In his first full length album titled “Nightblooms”, Wilder introduces us to his songwriting and what music means to him.

Royal and Toulouse has a sound you won't expect -- a mix of jazz, blues, rock, funk and even hip-hop. Founding members Ricky Little, Milyn Satterfield and Alex Troughton hail from Houston, Birmingham and New Orleans. They've been jamming together since 2006. Their latest album is “Southern Circus”.

Rudolph Valentino White, also known as “God Ausar”, is a spoken word poet / hip hop artist who also happens to be a barber, actor and designer focused on making a major impact in the entertainment industry while helping the community. With his debut album titled, “Poetic Jazz of Rudolph Valentino” along with other numerous works, God Ausar’s music touches many deep and personal topics from love to homeless and greed.

Coming from a family of bluegrass and gospel music, India Ramey knows a thing or two about writing a good ol’ country song. She was raised in a family of musicians and grew up listening to everything from Willie Nelson to the Ramones. As Ramey became more interested in music, she began performing publicly. Her latest album “Junkyard Angel” is an autobiographical look at love, turmoil and overcoming adversity.